Autódromo de Tocancipá
Location
Tocancipá, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Current Local Time
Track Info
Autódromo de Tocancipá - Tocancipá, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Colombia's historic home of circuit racing - compact, technical and unusual because its main layout regularly races in both directions
When was the track built?
The project began in 1980 after the closure of Bogotá's previous permanent circuit left Colombian motorsport without a dedicated home. Members of Club Los Tortugas helped acquire land at Tocancipá, north of Bogotá, and architect Luis Esguerra Urrea developed the original design.
The first circuit was approximately 2 km long and deliberately technical rather than dominated by huge straights. An extension completed around 1990 created the longer layout and additional configurations that are familiar today.
When was its first race?
Tocancipá was inaugurated on 7 February 1982 with five races covering several of Colombia's main categories.
Álvaro Mejía won the Copa Renault, Diego Montoya took Turismo Especial, Jorge Casas won Gran Potencia, Humberto Pava took Fuerza Libre and Roberto Noguera won Formula Colombia.
What's the circuit like?
- Compact and technical: At only 2.725 km, corners arrive quickly. Drivers have little time to relax or recover from a mistake.
- Two directions: The same circuit can be raced clockwise and anti-clockwise. Braking zones, corner entries and overtaking opportunities therefore change dramatically.
- High altitude: Tocancipá sits more than 2,600 metres above sea level. The thinner air can reduce the power of naturally aspirated engines and affects cooling and aerodynamics.
The full course has 14 corners and several alternative links. Shorter configurations of around 2.040 km are also regularly used for cars and motorcycles.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Anti-clockwise outright benchmark: 1:01.261 - Óscar Tunjo, West prototype, 2014.
- Clockwise qualifying: 1:02.653 - Óscar Tunjo, West prototype, 2022.
- Previous clockwise record: 1:02.764 - Óscar Tunjo, West prototype, 2019.
- Juan Pablo Montoya benchmark: 1:02.077 - Spice prototype, 1995 - anti-clockwise.
- Production-car benchmark: 1:11.735 - Gabriel Lopera, Porsche 911 GT2 RS, 2020 - anti-clockwise.
Tocancipá was completely repaved in 2026, so older records were established on a substantially different surface. Clockwise and anti-clockwise laps must also be treated as separate records.
Why are the 6 Hours of Bogotá important?
The circuit is best known internationally for the 6 Hours of Bogotá, Colombia's traditional endurance race. First held in 1986, it has attracted touring cars, GT machinery and purpose-built prototypes as well as leading Colombian drivers.
The race normally uses the 2.725 km circuit anti-clockwise. Traffic is a major challenge because cars of very different speeds share such a short lap, meaning the quickest prototypes can encounter slower competitors constantly.
What's happened recently?
Tocancipá entered a major new era in February 2026 when its completely repaved main circuit was officially inaugurated. More than 6.4 billion Colombian pesos were invested in the project.
The work replaced the old surface, repaired sections beneath the asphalt and improved drainage, pit and paddock areas. The smoother surface provides more consistent grip and should allow modern cars and motorcycles to produce faster lap times.
Why go?
Tocancipá is the heart of Colombian circuit racing. The calendar includes the Campeonato Nacional de Automovilismo, TC2000 Colombia, motorcycle racing, endurance events, track days and driver training.
Its compact layout is also useful for spectators: cars return frequently, different classes often race together and the surrounding mountains give the venue a distinctive high-altitude setting.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main straight and pits: Best for race starts, finishes, pit stops and following endurance events such as the 6 Hours of Bogotá.
- Curvón: One of the circuit's characteristic longer corners and a good place to appreciate how much speed drivers can carry.
- Technical corner combinations: Where spectator access allows, these show the differences in braking and racing lines particularly clearly when multiple classes are competing together.
Because Tocancipá can operate in either direction and on several layouts, the best viewing position changes between events. Check the day's circuit map and spectator areas before choosing where to watch.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Autódromo de Tocancipá (Bogotá)
Autódromo de Tocancipá is north of Bogotá in Cundinamarca. Driving, taxi or a private transfer is easiest, while visitors without a car can take an intermunicipal bus towards Tocancipá and complete the final journey locally.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, driving is the easiest way to reach Autódromo de Tocancipá. The circuit is north of Bogotá on the main road corridor through the Sabana de Bogotá, so the route itself is straightforward.
The main difficulty is traffic. Journeys through northern Bogotá, Chía and the surrounding area can take considerably longer during busy periods, weekends and major race events.
Tip: Save the full circuit location before leaving. Searching for Tocancipá alone may take you into the town rather than directly to the autódromo.
Driving & parking
- From Bogotá: head north using Autopista Norte and continue towards Tocancipá on the Vía Central Norte.
- Official location: Km 24 Vía Central Norte, Vereda Verganzo, Tocancipá.
- From Portal Norte: the road distance is approximately 30 km.
- Parking: the venue has dedicated parking areas, but major events may divide vehicles between several separate lots.
- Event days: follow temporary signs and staff instructions when approaching the circuit.
Leave early for major meetings. Traffic north of Bogotá can add much more time than the distance alone suggests.
Bus & public transport
It is possible to reach the Tocancipá area without a car, although there is no Bogotá city transport service directly to the circuit entrance.
- From northern Bogotá: intermunicipal buses operate towards Tocancipá and nearby destinations such as Briceño.
- Terminal del Norte: this is a useful departure point for visitors travelling north from Bogotá.
- Final journey: depending on where your bus stops, continue by taxi or another local road service to the autódromo.
- Return journey: check bus times before entering the circuit, particularly for events finishing in the evening.
Special event transport may be provided for some large meetings, but do not assume a shuttle is operating unless your event specifically announces one.
Taxi & private transfers
- From Bogotá: a taxi, ride-hailing service or private transfer avoids the need to change between buses.
- From Tocancipá: a local taxi is useful if you arrive in the town by intermunicipal bus.
- For groups: sharing a private car can be simpler than coordinating several public transport connections.
- After the race: expect increased demand and possible traffic delays when a large crowd leaves at the same time.
Bogotá airport
- El Dorado International Airport (BOG): the main airport for international and domestic visitors.
- Airport → circuit: a rental car, taxi or private transfer is the simplest direct option.
- By public transport: travel towards Bogotá's northern transport network and change to an intermunicipal bus for Tocancipá.
- Allow extra time: crossing Bogotá towards the northern highway can make the airport journey much longer during peak traffic.
Where to stay
- Tocancipá: gives you the shortest event-day journey and avoids travelling through Bogotá each morning.
- Chía or Cajicá: useful alternatives with more restaurants, shops and accommodation while remaining north of Bogotá.
- Bogotá: offers by far the widest choice of hotels and nightlife, but expect a much longer journey to the circuit.
Event-day tips
- Leave early: traffic is the biggest uncertainty when travelling from Bogotá.
- Check your parking: large events can use several car parks, so confirm your correct entrance before arriving.
- Check the calendar: the complex hosts circuit racing, motorcycles, karting, motocross, 4x4 events and track days.
- Prepare for changing weather: bring sun and rain protection for a full outdoor day.
- Plan your return: traffic and demand for taxis can be heavy immediately after a major event.
Accessibility
If you require accessible parking, step-free spectator access or assistance at Autódromo de Tocancipá, contact the circuit or event organiser before travelling. Parking, entrances and spectator areas can differ depending on the event.
Bus services, parking areas, entrances and event traffic arrangements can change. Check the official Autódromo de Tocancipá calendar and your event information shortly before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Autódromo de Tocancipá (Cundinamarca, Colombia)
Autódromo de Tocancipá is the heart of Colombian circuit racing, sitting on the high plateau north of Bogotá. Whether you’re visiting for touring cars, endurance racing, motorcycles or a track day, family attractions, underground salt tunnels, mountain walks and traditional Cundinamarca food are all close enough to add to your motorsport weekend.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Parque Jaime Duque: One of Colombia’s best-known family attractions is in Tocancipá itself, with cultural exhibits, monuments, rides and the Wakatá Biopark wildlife reserve.
- Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral: Descend into a former salt mine to see huge underground chambers, sculptures and illuminated spaces carved into the rock. It is impressive even if you are not visiting for religious reasons.
- Jaime Duque nature areas: The park also includes conservation spaces where families can learn about Colombian wildlife, including threatened native species.
Culture & rainy-day stops
- Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá: The underground setting makes this one of the strongest rainy-day choices near the circuit. Allow a few hours rather than treating it as a quick stop.
- Historic Zipaquirá: After the mine, walk through the traditional centre around its plazas, churches, cafés and colourful colonial-style buildings.
- Parque Jaime Duque: Many of its cultural and educational attractions are indoors, making it useful when the cool highland weather turns wet.
Eat & drink like a local
- Almojábanas: These soft cheese breads are a classic snack around Cundinamarca and are ideal with coffee or hot chocolate.
- Mazamorra: A traditional corn-based dish or drink found in different forms across Colombia and listed among Tocancipá’s local flavours.
- Envueltos: Corn dough wrapped and cooked in leaves makes another easy regional speciality to look for in bakeries, markets and roadside restaurants.
- Guatavita trout: If you travel east towards Guatavita, trout is strongly associated with local restaurants and regional food events.
Get outdoors around the Sabana
- Parque Ecoturístico Pionono: Head to nearby Sopó for native forest, highland trails and wide views across the Sabana de Bogotá. Bring a warmer layer even when the day starts sunny.
- Embalse del Tominé: The reservoir beside Guatavita provides mountain-and-water scenery and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
- Guatavita: Walk through the whitewashed modern town overlooking Tominé and learn about the area’s strong connections with Muisca culture and the legend of El Dorado.
Easy trips if you’re extending your stay
- Zipaquirá: Combine the Salt Cathedral with the historic centre for an easy half-day or full-day trip close to Tocancipá.
- Guatavita & Laguna de Guatavita: Explore the town, Tominé reservoir and the famous sacred lake associated with the El Dorado legend. Access to the protected lagoon is controlled, so check current visiting arrangements.
- Bogotá: Extend your stay in the capital for La Candelaria, museums, restaurants and Monserrate. Give the city its own day rather than trying to squeeze central Bogotá between track sessions.
Good to know on event weekends
- The circuit is freshly resurfaced: The 2026 renovation replaced the complete racing surface and repaired underlying sections, giving drivers a smoother and more consistent track.
- There is activity beyond race weekends: The current calendar includes open car and motorcycle sessions, karting, drag events and even scheduled cycling and running periods.
- The 6 Hours is the traditional headline: The 2026 6 Hours of Bogotá is scheduled for 4 - 5 December and remains one of Colombia’s most important circuit-racing events.
- Prepare for highland weather: Conditions around Tocancipá can be cool, sunny and wet in the same day. Bring sunscreen, a waterproof layer and something warm.
Race schedules, circuit layouts, spectator access, attraction tickets, protected-area access and weather conditions can change - check current information before you travel.